Protesters Gather At EPS Administration Building, Rally Against District's Quarantine Policy

Parents gathered Thursday morning at Edmond Public Schools to protest the district's COVID-19 quarantine policy.

"Today is unity, and today, we are saying we are on both sides of the fence. This is not about a vaccine. This is about our kids in the classroom getting treated equally and fairly," said Stephanie Brady, an Edmond Public Schools parent.

The change to the quarantine policy states those vaccinated will be eligible for quarantine exemption, but those who do not show a COVID-19 vaccination card or are not vaccinated will be required to complete a seven- to 10-day quarantine.

"Part of this is an effort to keep our schools open. If we were not quarantining our numbers would be, I think at a number where we have to close schools," said Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Angela Grunewald.

Grunewald said they are listening to the CDC and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department.

"It's evaluated every day. If numbers went down, there would be no reason to quarantine," said Grunewald.

As of Tuesday, Aug. 24, there are 270 positive student cases of COVID-19 in the district. With contract tracing, 2,191 students were sent home to quarantine.

Parents outside the administration building said they want the policy to change because they said this segregation and discrimination is hurting their children.

"There are parents out here that have kids that have attempted suicide and are on antidepressants," said Brady.

Grunewald met with parents on Wednesday. Parents say they felt heard but still want to see the policy be reconsidered.

"It is hard for us to send the kids home. We want them here. It's even harder for parents who make arrangements," said Grunewald.